Hired Hand the real McCoy at 5/1

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Jonjo O’Neill’s Hired Hand has conditions to suit in the 4.40 at Fontwell and is strongly fancied at 5/1 to score in the hands of champion jockey AP McCoy.

The gelding has some decent form to his name when trained in Ireland by Charles O’Brien, including when finishing runner-up to Steps Of Freedom (now rated 146 over hurdles) when sent off favourite for a bumper at Tipperary back in 2010 and a solid 2 length fourth of 20 to Monastrell (now rated 119 over hurdles, 126 over fences) on his second start over hurdles at Down Royal.

He went on to open his account over the obstacles when easily beating In A Nutshell in a maiden hurdle at Roscommon in June 2011 after which he had just one more run on the level before enduring a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The seven-year-old was off the track for 514 days before making his debut for O’Neill at Kempton last November and after being held-up in mid division gradually lost his place from three out to be pulled-up.

However he was entitled to need the run and he duly put in a much better effort when last seen in action and finishing fifth of 13 to Home Run at Taunton.

He chartered a wide course that day, but remained in touch with the leaders before getting outpaced three from home and then being unable to make any impression in the closing stages.

However he was not knocked about in any way, and having been given an initially rating of 115 on his first start for O’Neill he now gets into this off 110.

I think that is more than exploitable judged on the pick of his form, and this looks far weaker than the Home Run contest.

Another plus is that he should appreciate the quicker ground (run behind Steps Of Freedom came on good-to-firm) and now has the services of AP McCoy in the saddle for the first time.

Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Hired Hand (5/1 Betfred, BetVictor – BOG)

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